Medha
Initiative of Sankara Healthcare Foundation
“Medhā”, a name for Devī Sarasvatī, is an initiative of Sankara Healthcare Foundation, to provide neurodiverse children and their families, a platform for social interaction, dhārmik education, and a supportive community for the families. This project was started with the blessings of His Holiness Jagadguru Śrī Śankara Vijayendra Sarasvati Swamigal of Kānci Kāmakoti Pītham.
The classes provide group instruction that encourage interaction with peers, as well as individual instruction that is catered towards specific needs of the child.
Why Medha?
Neurodiverse families, particularly from subcultures that are not mainstream, have a very tough time helping their child feel part of their subculture. Typical special needs education in the school system focuses on the child’s special educational needs, and not on their cultural needs.
These children tend to have lower participation in cultural activities and their families tend to be less connected to their communities. This causes the children and their families to not have the same access to the crucial social support structure that is available to others.
As Ācāryā says in the video below, Medha will reassure the parents and the children that they are supported and cared for by the society.
आत्मौपम्येन सर्वत्र समं पश्यति योऽर्जु न |
सुखं वा यदि वा दुःखं स योगी परमो मतः ||ātmaupamyena sarvatra samaṁ paśhyati yo’rjuna
sukhaṁ vā yadi vā duḥkhaṁ sa yogī paramo mataḥ
–> Srimad Bhagavad Gita 6:32
To be able to see the joy and suffering of others as our own, and help those in need is a touchstone of Medha.
100% volunteer run, Medha endeavors to provide support through activities that are tailored to the needs of each child and their family. We believe that each child is unique and responds differently to activities. Our activities continue to evolve as we learn more about what makes each child special, unique and makes them excited and happy.
Typical activities include
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- Music through slokas and bhajans
- Cultural instruction through stories and interactive games Life skills development through Math and ELA
- Regional Language instruction to develop verbal skills Art to develop fine motor skills
- Yoga to strengthen balance and coordination
- If you would like to learn more please email to info@giftofhealth.us
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